Changing the Landscape of Opportunity for Vulnerable Youth

The summer 2006 issue of Voices in Urban Education, published by the Annenberg Institute for School Reform, is devoted to the topic of “Educating Vulnerable Pupils.” In “Changing the Landscape of Opportunity for Vulnerable Youth,” JFF’s Lucretia Murphy describes work in communities and states designed to develop a systemic approach to expanding learning options and improving outcomes for students who are struggling or who have left school. 

The article surfaces lessons from two of JFF's Connected by 25 projects: the Strategic Assessment Initiative with the Youth Transition Funders Group and "Staying the Course" in partnership with Achieve, Inc. JFF provides strategic consultation and technical assistance to the cities in the Strategic Assessment Initiative, as well as peer learning opportunities that include a cross-site Learning Institute. With Achieve, Inc., JFF works with states and companion districts to identify and implement levers for policy change that advances a dual agenda for high school reform: high standards and high graduation rates.